Although some fleet managers may overlook their importance, trailers play a critical role in daily trucking operations. They also go missing more often than you would think. With GPS trailer tracking, fleet managers can remotely monitor these assets to ensure they’re where they ought to be at all times. These trailer trackers provide valuable location data at every shipping process step.
6 Best GPS Trackers for Trailers
Discover the best GPS tracker for trailer options on the market today, and learn more about how they can help your company.
Samsara
Best for: Reefer Tracking
Tracking with Samsara empowers fleet managers to view trailer locations, assign drivers, manage routes, and monitor cargo in real time. From dry vans to specialty equipment, Samsara supports a wide range of trailer types. Advanced cargo monitoring provides instant alerts for door events and temperature excursions, helping protect loads and streamline operations.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Increase trailer utilization with real-time visibility
- Reduce detention costs via accurate status and ETA sharing
- Protect temperature-sensitive loads with continuous monitoring
- Integrate trailer data into your TMS for end-to-end workflows
Cons
- Some reports of software bugs
- Limited third-party integrations compared to broader ecosystems
Special Features
- Trailer assignment: Link assets to drivers for clear chain of custody.
- Maintenance alerts: Proactive notifications to reduce downtime.
- Real-time customer ETAs: Share accurate arrival times to improve service.
- Temperature monitoring: Continuous reefer sensing with excursion alerts.
Trimble
Best for: Durability
Trimble shines for rugged durability and weather resistance. Its trackers are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and shock—ideal for demanding industrial and construction environments. Long-lasting battery life supports uninterrupted tracking, even in remote locations with limited power access.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Built for harsh conditions (temperature, moisture, shock)
- Extended battery life for remote deployments
- Maintenance management tools
- Engine diagnostics and alerts
- User-friendly interface
- Customizable reports
Cons
- Occasional issues with customer care
Special Features
- Fuel price tracking: Monitor fuel costs to inform routing and refueling decisions.
- System alerts: Automated notifications for status changes and issues.
- Geofencing: Create virtual boundaries for entry/exit alerts and asset security.
Verizon Connect
Best for: TMS Integration
As part of Verizon Connect’s fleet platform, its heavy-duty trailer trackers help protect cargo and profitability. Built for flatbeds, dry vans, tanks, and containers, the solution integrates with Verizon’s modular telematics to create a customized TMS workflow—centralizing visibility, utilization, and security across mixed trailer types.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Improves on-time delivery with real-time visibility
- Geofence alerts enhance security and compliance
- Helps reduce trailer theft and unauthorized use
- Supports a wide range of trailer types
Cons
- Membership can be difficult to cancel
- Installation may be outsourced
Special Features
- Rugged, weather-proof trackers: Designed for harsh environments and long deployments.
- Runs on the Verizon network: Broad coverage for dependable tracking and alerts.
- Trailer utilization optimization: Insights to reduce idle time and improve asset ROI.
- Hardwired & battery-powered options: Flexible installs to match trailer and use case.
Azuga
Best for: Asset Protection and Efficiency
Azuga’s GPS trailer tracking delivers reliable, real-time visibility to enhance security, improve dispatch, and optimize asset utilization. Geofencing, in-transit reporting, and long-life batteries help prevent theft, streamline operations, and boost productivity across diverse trailer fleets.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Improved efficiency through better dispatch and utilization
- Enhanced security with real-time tracking and alerts
- Long battery life for extended deployments
- Comprehensive in-transit reporting for accountability
- Supports asset optimization to increase productivity and revenue
Cons
- Rich data set can feel overwhelming; learning curve for new users
- Tracking performance may degrade in poor network coverage areas
Special Features
- Geofencing: Create zones and receive entry/exit alerts for security and compliance.
- In-transit alerts: Real-time notifications for movement and status changes.
- Asset utilization reports: Insights to reduce idle time and increase ROI.
- Mobile app support: On-the-go access for managers and drivers.
MaTrack
Best for: User-Friendliness
MaTrack specializes in mobile asset tracking with durable, budget-friendly trailer devices and a simple, cross-platform software interface. In-house hardware innovations deliver up to five years of device life—even in harsh weather—while the app is easy to use on Android and iOS for quick visibility and control.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Perform yard checks quickly with live status
- Estimate detention times to improve utilization
- Instant geofence alerts for security and compliance
- User-friendly interface for fast onboarding
Cons
- Some users find certain screens hard to read
- Limited international options
Special Features
- Integration with MaTrack FMS: Connects to MaTrack’s fleet management suite for unified oversight.
- Trailer maintenance monitoring: Track service needs to reduce downtime.
- Aggressive mode for stolen trailers: High-frequency pings to aid rapid recovery.
- Teammate subgrouping: Organize users and assets for cleaner reporting and access control.
GPS Insight
Best for: Customized Solutions
GPS Insight goes beyond simple location pings to solve real operational challenges. Its trailer tracking platform delivers automated, tailored workflows that help reduce risk, verify activity, and boost revenue—giving fleets deeper control over utilization and security across diverse assets.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy installation
- Location, drop, and pickup verification
- Quickly locate lost or stolen trailers
- Geofencing alerts for entry/exit events
Cons
- Location accuracy can be affected by weather
- Limited hardware options
Special Features
- 24/7 service: Around-the-clock access to support and monitoring.
- Customizable features & interface: Tailor dashboards, alerts, and workflows to your operation.
- Unlimited historical data: Full access to past trips and events for audits and analysis.
- Maintenance scheduling (powered trailers): Plan service based on usage to reduce downtime.
What Is a GPS Tracker for Trailers?
Freight tracking is essential in today’s transportation and logistics industry. Fleet managers can keep track of their assets by using GPS tracking devices attached to trailers. These small devices make it easy to know precisely where each trailer is and if it is connected to a truck.
Here are the main uses of a trailer tracker:
- Fleet management: Companies with multiple trailers use GPS trackers to optimize routes, monitor usage, and prevent unauthorized use.
- Theft recovery: GPS tracking provides a precise location to assist in recovering stolen trailers.
- Asset monitoring: Knowing the real-time location of trailers helps businesses manage logistics, track valuable cargo, and improve overall operational efficiency.
By offering a reliable, real-time overview of a trailer’s location and movement, GPS trackers enhance security, improve logistics, and help owners protect and manage their assets effectively.
How Does a GPS Tracker for Trailers Work?
A GPS tracker on a trailer works by using satellite signals to determine the trailer’s location and then transmitting this data to a remote server or device, where it can be accessed by the user in real time. Here’s a breakdown of how it operates:
- Satellite communication:The GPS tracker installed on the trailer communicates with a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. By receiving signals from at least four satellites, the tracker determines its exact geographic location (latitude, longitude) through a process called trilateration.
- Data transmission: After calculating its location, the tracker sends this data through cellular networks (typically 3G, 4G, or LTE) or, in some models, satellite connections. The tracker must have a power source, which can be a built-in rechargeable battery, a hardwired connection to the trailer’s electrical system, or solar power in some cases.
- Real-time tracking and data access: The transmitted location data is processed by a remote server, which makes the information accessible to the user via a web interface, app, or SMS. Many GPS tracking systems allow users to see the trailer’s exact location on a map, monitor movement, and access location history. Advanced trackers may include additional sensors to monitor speed, environmental conditions (such as temperature or humidity), or even the trailer’s status (for instance, if the doors are open or closed).
- Alerts and notifications: Notifications are typically sent by SMS, email, or app alerts, allowing for quick response if unauthorized movement or tampering is detected. Users can set up alerts for various scenarios, like if the trailer leaves a predefined area (geofencing), if it’s in motion outside of approved hours, or if the battery is low.
4 Benefits of a GPS Tracker for Trailers
Tracking your fleet’s trailers can improve trucking operations in several ways. By knowing the exact locations of your trailers, you can reduce cargo theft, monitor performance, and eliminate yard hunts.
1. Know Exact Locations
While in-truck GPS offers vehicle location information, trailer trackers specifically provide trailer locations, regardless of whether they’re attached to trucks. And if you contract with other trucking companies or owner-operators, you can still track your cargo without accessing their telematics.
With exact trailer locations, you can tell when they’re being loaded, unloaded, or are in transit to generate accurate ETAs. Fleet managers can also respond more quickly to potential delivery delays by seeing when a trailer gets behind schedule.
2. Reduce Cargo Theft
Loss prevention is a major concern for trucking managers. Powered by geofencing technologies, trackers can be set to generate alerts if a trailer crosses a specified virtual boundary. Managers can then respond instantly, if necessary, thus increasing their chances of recovering assets that may otherwise be lost.
3. Monitor Performance
Fleet managers are constantly trying to optimize their fleet’s performance. With trailer location information, you can easily track drivers’ locations to ensure they remain on track and on time. Historical data is also helpful for route optimization as it can pinpoint routes with frequent delays. Some trailer trackers can identify underutilized trailers so that you can improve your truck-to-trailer ratio.
4. Eliminate Yard Hunts
Distribution centers can be massive, and sometimes it’s difficult to identify a trailer’s precise location. With one of these GPS tracker for trailer options, you can find the load you’re looking for without wasting precious time walking the yard.
FAQ
Do all GPS trackers require a monthly fee?
Most GPS trackers for trailers charge a monthly subscription fee, but some limited-functionality models do not.
What is the smallest size GPS tracker?
Micro GPS trackers may be as small as 0.4 x 0.4 inches. However, GPS trailer trackers are at least a few inches big.
Can a GPS tracker work without WiFi?
Yes, GPS trackers work without WiFi since the technology is based on a separate network of satellites.
What is the difference between GPS receiver and GPS tracker?
A GPS receiver (like those in smartphones or car navigation systems) only receives and displays location data for its own use. A GPS tracker both receives location data and actively transmits it to another device or system for remote monitoring.
